Very well, professor. Thank you for your presence. It is an honor for us, the presiding judge replied, his voice slightly nervous but polite. He then glared at Gabe, his look seeming to say, Are you trying to get yourself killed? daring to go against someone protected by him.
The presiding judge struck the gavl three times. The hearing is now in session. Mr. Gabe Mendoza, the presiding judge’s voice was grave and authoritative. In the petition you filed, it states that you are seeking a divorce on the grounds of incompatibility and you are also claiming full control of all marital assets, alleging that your wife, Mrs. music. Stella has no financial contribution. Do you stand by this petition?
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Gabe. Gabe tried to open his mouth, but his voice was stuck. His tongue felt paralyzed. He glanced sideways at Mr. Kesler. The old man wasn’t looking at him, just staring straight ahead calmly. But Gabe Music knew that one wrong word out of his mouth, one more lie told in front of his master’s master, and it would be over for him. Mister Kesler could easily destroy his reputation with a single phone call to the bar association.
Leo nudged Gabe under the table, signaling his panic. “Withdraw, boss. Withdraw the petition. Don’t be crazy.” Leo’s body language screamed. Gabe trembled. “Music,” he remembered. Mr. Kesler’s threat in the lobby. Your integrity is zero. If he insisted on impoverishing Stella in front of Mr. Kesler, he wouldn’t just lose respect, he would lose his future. The law firm where he worked was owned by Mr. Kesler.
Mr. Mendoza, the presiding judge called out more forcefully as Gabe didn’t respond. I repeat, music, do you stand by your claim to the marital assets?
Gabe took a deep breath, a breath that felt heavy and painful. He glanced at Stella for a moment. She wasn’t looking at him with hatred, but with a look of pity. That look stung Gab’s pride more than anger ever could. Music, he realized he had already lost completely, even before the gavl fell.
“No, your honor,” Gabe finally answered, his voice and weak like a deflated balloon.
The presiding judge raised his eyebrows. “No? What do you mean?” Gabe hung his head low, not daring to look up. I I withdraw my claim to the marital assets, your honor. I I acknowledge that the house and its contents are community property. I am even willing to surrender my share entirely to my wife as a form of my responsibility.
Leo let out a sigh of relief beside him, music nearly slumping out of his chair. At least they weren’t committing mass suicide today. Stella’s eyes widened in surprise. She glanced at Mr. Kesler. The old man remained calm. There was no expression of victory on his face, just a slight nod, as if this were the normal and expected outcome.
“Let the record show,” the presiding judge said firmly. “Mister Mendoza surrenders the assets in their entirety to Mrs. Stella.” “So, what about the grounds for divorce? Do you still insist that Mrs. Stella is not worthy of being with you?”
This question was a trap. If Gabe answered yes with reasons of economic or social status as in the original petition, he would look incredibly petty in Mr. Kesler’s eyes. Gabe shook his head weakly. Tears of frustration and shame dripped onto the table. No, your honor, that reason is not relevant. I was the one who was wrong. I was not able to be a good husband. I want a divorce because I am no longer worthy of her.
A wave of restrained emotions spread through the tense room. Gabe’s confession, though born of fear, sounded honest to Stella’s ears. This was the first time Gabe had admitted his fault, even if he had to be forced by circumstances.
“Mr.” Kesler suddenly raised his right hand slightly. “Your honor, may I speak for a moment as the respondent’s companion?” The presiding judge immediately nodded respectfully. “Of course, professor. The floor is yours.”
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